Liquid Or Gel-Like Composition Comprising Microencapsulated Colorant Granules

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to liquid or gel-like compositions comprising microencapsulated colorant granules consisting of a core (A) and a shell (B), whereby the core (A) has a diameter of between 1 and 1000 micrometer and comprises
     a) a colorant (I),   b) microcrystalline cellulose,   c) a polyol;   and whereby the shell (B) has a thickness of between 1 to 500 micrometer and comprises   d) a polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylic acids, vinyl polymers, styrene- (meth)acrylic copolymers, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

The present application relates to liquid or gel-like compositionscomprising microencapsulated colorant granules.

Dyes have been included in detergent products either to provide productaesthetics, coloring of wash water or to increase perceived cleaning ofwhite fabrics. Furthermore attempts have been made to incorporateparticles comprising a dye into cleansing compositions which changecolor during use in order to indicate that sufficient time has elapsedand that a sufficient treatment with the cleansing composition has beenachieved.

The choice of dye and the way to incorporate it in a composition shouldbe carefully monitored to avoid spotting or staining of fabrics, skin,hair or hard surfaces after the treatment and/or to avoid the migrationor the bleeding of the dye across the composition which may lead to arather unattractive composition.

WO 2008/132616 discloses a composition comprising at least one thermochromic dye, changing the color of the cleansing composition when thecomposition reaches a temperature of from about 21° C. to about 40° C.These color changing cleansing compositions are limited to thermochromic dyes but do not indicate when a sufficient treatment with thecleansing compositions has been achieved.

Therefore, it was an object of the present invention to provide liquidor gel-like compositions such as cleansing products or personal careproducts which comprise an indicator for determining how long washingprocesses or applications should continue with the product in order toachieve a satisfying result. More particularly, a need currently existsfor cleansing compositions that change color during use in order toindicate that a sufficient treatment with the cleansing compositions hasbeen achieved.

Surprisingly it has now been found that this object is solved usingpigments, which are converted to particular microencapsulated colorantgranules. These pigments are suited to induce color to liquid orgel-like compositions during their application and in particular to thefoam built-up during the washing process.

The present invention relates to liquid or gel-like compositionscomprising one or more microencapsulated colorant granules consisting ofa core (A) and a shell (B), whereby the core (A) has a diameter ofbetween 1 and 1000 micrometer, preferably between 10 and 500 micrometer,more preferably between 100 and 400 micrometer, even more preferablybetween 200 and 300 micrometer, and comprises

a) a colorant (I),

b) microcrystalline cellulose,

c) a polyol;

and whereby the shell (B) has a thickness of between 1 to 500micrometer, preferably between 10 and 400 micrometer, more preferablybetween 50 and 300 micrometer, even more preferably between 100 and 300micrometer, and comprises

d) a polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylic acids,copolymers of polycarboxylic acids, vinyl polymers, cellulose andcellulose derivatives.

Within the meaning of the present invention the term “liquid” meansliquid at ambient conditions, i.e. at a temperature of 20° C. and apressure of 1 atm (=1.013·10⁵ Pa or 1013 hPa). Preferably, the liquidcompositions according to the present invention have a viscosity of from1 to 10 000 mPa·s. The viscosity is measured using the inventive liquidcomposition as such under the following conditions:

for measuring the viscosity in the range of from 1 to 250 mPa·s:temperature: 20° C.; apparatus: Brookfield RV 1; Spindle No. 1; 20r.p.m. (rounds per minutes);

for measuring the viscosity in the range of from >250 to 500 mPa·s:temperature: 20° C.; apparatus: Brookfield RV 2; Spindle No. 2; 20r.p.m. (rounds per minutes);

for measuring the viscosity in the range of from >500 to 5000 mPa·s:temperature: 20° C.; apparatus: Brookfield RV 3; Spindle No. 3; 20r.p.m. (rounds per minutes);

for measuring the viscosity in the range of from >5000 to 10000 mPa·s:temperature: 20° C.; apparatus: Brookfield RV 4; Spindle No. 4; 20r.p.m. (rounds per minutes).

Within the meaning of the present invention the term “gel-like” meansgel-like at ambient conditions, i.e. at a temperature of 20° C. and apressure of 1 atm (=1.013·10⁵ Pa or 1013 hPa). Preferably, the gel-likecompositions according to the present invention have a viscosity offrom >10 000 to 200 000 mPa·s and particularly preferably of from 20 000to 150 000 mPa·s. The viscosity is measured using the inventive gel-likecomposition as such under the following conditions: temperature: 20° C.;apparatus: Brookfield Viscosimeter RV; Spindle No. 7; 20 r.p.m. (roundsper minutes).

In one preferred embodiment of the invention the inventive compositionsare liquid. In another preferred embodiment of the invention theinventive compositions are gel-like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a white pigment (e), such astitanium dioxide (C.I. Pigment White 6), barium sulfate or zinc oxide,is incorporated into the shell. In this case the color of the corecolorant (I) is hidden and the foam is to change from white to the colorof colorant (I).

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the shell contains acolorant (II) (f) which color is different from the color of colorant(I). In this case, it is expedient to apply colorant (II) as a top-coatonto the shell containing components (d) and (e). Then, the color of thefoam is to change from the color of colorant (II) to the color ofcolorant (I). It is preferred that the color of colorant (II) is equalor at least similar to the color of the cleansing base, so that themicroencapsulated colorant granules are invisible or at least hardlyvisible in the inventive compositions.

In any embodiment of the invention, the core and the shell may containsome water not exceeding an amount for sustaining granular form, e.g. 0to 50%, preferably 1 to 30%, more preferably 5 to 20%, by weight, basedon the total weight of the granules.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the microencapsulatedcolorant granules contained in the inventive compositions contain

a) 5 to 60% by weight, preferably 10 to 40% by weight, of colorant (I),

b) 10 to 40% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight, ofmicrocrystalline cellulose,

c) 10 to 40% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight, of polyol,

d) 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 10% by weight, of the polymer,relating to the total weight of the granules.

The amount of the white pigment (e) if any, may vary between 0 and 50%,preferably between 0.1 and 30%, by weight, relating to the total weightof the microencapsulated colorant granules.

The amount of colorant (II) (f), if any, may vary between 0 and 25%,preferably between 0.1 and 20% by weight, relating to the total weightof the microencapsulated colorant granules.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, themicroencapsulated colorant granules contained in the inventivecompositions contain

a) 5 to 60% by weight, preferably 10 to 40% by weight, of colorant (I),

b) 10 to 40% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight, ofmicrocrystalline cellulose,

c) 10 to 40% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight, of polyol,

d) 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 10% by weight, of the polymer,

e) 0.1 to 30% by weight, preferably 1 to 20% by weight, of whitepigment; and 1 to 30%, preferably 5 to 20%, by weight of water,

relating to the total weight of the granules.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, themicroencapsulated colorant granules contained in the inventivecompositions contain

a) 5 to 60% by weight, preferably 10 to 40% by weight, of colorant (I),

b) 10 to 40% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight, ofmicrocrystalline cellulose,

c) 10 to 40% by weight, preferably 15 to 30% by weight, of polyol,

d) 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 10% by weight, of the polymer,

e) 0.1 to 30% by weight, preferably 1 to 20% by weight, of whitepigment;

f) 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 15% by weight, of colorant(II); and 1 to 30%, preferably 5 to 20%, by weight of water,

relating to the total weight of the granules.

The inventive compositions may be colored or upon application may resultin a coloring (in case the compositions were colorless before theirapplication) or may result in a color change of the composition itself.A similar coloring or color change may occur with respect to the foamresulting from the application of the inventive compositions. Thecoloring or color change of the inventive compositions and/or foamoccurs independently of the temperature of the inventive compositions sothat there is no need to use thermo chromic dyes as colorants.Therefore, it is preferred that colorant (I) and colorant (II) are notthermo chromic.

All color pigments from the group consisting of inorganic pigments,organic pigments and effect pigments come into consideration for use ascolorant (I) and (II). By definition, pigments—in contradistinction todyes—are virtually insoluble in the application medium.

Preferred organic pigments are monoazo, disazo, laked azo, β-naphthol,Naphthol AS, benzimidazolone, disazo condensation, azo metal complexpigments and polycyclic pigments such as, for example, phthalocyanine,quinacridone, perylene, perinone, thioindigo, anthanthrone,anthraquinone, flavanthrone, indanthrone, isoviolanthrone, pyranthrone,dioxazine, quinophthalone, isoindolinone, isoindoline anddiketopyrrolopyrrole pigments.

Of the organic pigments mentioned, particularly suitable ones are in avery fine state of subdivision wherein preferably at least 95% by weightand more preferably at least 99% by weight of the pigment particles havea particle size ≦500 nm.

Advantageously, the pigment particles have a d₅₀ value between 50 and500 nm, preferably between 70 and 350 nm.

As an illustrative selection of particularly preferred organic pigmentsthere may be mentioned monoazo and disazo pigments, more particularlythe Colour Index pigments Pigment Yellow 1, Pigment Yellow 3, PigmentYellow 12, Pigment Yellow 13, Pigment Yellow 14, Pigment Yellow 16,Pigment Yellow 17, Pigment Yellow 73, Pigment Yellow 74, Pigment Yellow81, Pigment Yellow 83, Pigment Yellow 87, Pigment Yellow 97, PigmentYellow 111, Pigment Yellow 126, Pigment Yellow 127, Pigment Yellow 128,Pigment Yellow 155, Pigment Yellow 174, Pigment Yellow 176, PigmentYellow 191, Pigment Yellow 213, Pigment Yellow 214, Pigment Yellow 219,Pigment Red 38, Pigment Red 144, Pigment Red 214, Pigment Red 242,Pigment Red 262, Pigment Red 266, Pigment Red 269, Pigment Red 274,Pigment Orange 13, Pigment Orange 34 or Pigment Brown 41; β-naphthol andNaphthol AS pigments, more particularly the Colour Index pigmentsPigment Red 2, Pigment Red 3, Pigment Red 4, Pigment Red 5, Pigment Red9, Pigment Red 12, Pigment Red 14, Pigment Red 53:1, Pigment Red 112,Pigment Red 146, Pigment Red 147, Pigment Red 170, Pigment Red 184,Pigment Red 187, Pigment Red 188, Pigment Red 210, Pigment Red 247,Pigment Red 253, Pigment Red 256, Pigment Orange 5, Pigment Orange 38 orPigment Brown 1; laked azo and metal complex pigments, more particularlythe Colour Index pigments Pigment Red 48:2, Pigment Red 48:3, PigmentRed 48:4, Pigment Red 57:1, Pigment Red 257, Pigment Orange 68 orPigment Orange 70; benzimidazoline pigments, more particularly theColour Index pigments Pigment Yellow 120, Pigment Yellow 151, PigmentYellow 154, Pigment Yellow 175, Pigment Yellow 180, Pigment Yellow 181,Pigment Yellow 194, Pigment Red 175, Pigment Red 176, Pigment Red 185,Pigment Red 208, Pigment Violet 32, Pigment Orange 36, Pigment Orange62, Pigment Orange 72, Pigment Blue 80 or Pigment Brown 25;isoindolinone and isoindoline pigments, more particularly the ColourIndex pigments Pigment Yellow 139 or Pigment Yellow 173; phthalocyaninepigments, more particularly the Colour Index pigments Pigment Blue 15,Pigment Blue 15:1, Pigment Blue 15:2, Pigment Blue 15:3, Pigment Blue15:4, Pigment Blue 15:6, Pigment Blue 16, Pigment Green 7 or PigmentGreen 36; anthanthrone, anthraquinone, quinacridone, dioxazine,indanthrone, perylene, perinone and thioindigo pigments, moreparticularly the Colour Index pigments Pigment Yellow 196, Pigment Red122, Pigment Red 149, Pigment Red 168, Pigment Red 177, Pigment Red 179,Pigment Red 181, Pigment Red 207, Pigment Red 209, Pigment Red 263,Pigment Blue 60, Pigment Violet 19, Pigment Violet 23 or Pigment Orange43; triarylcarbonium pigments, more particularly the Colour Indexpigments Pigment Red 169, Pigment Blue 56 or Pigment Blue 61;diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, more particularly the Colour Indexpigments Pigment Red 254, Pigment Red 255, Pigment Red 264, Pigment Red270, Pigment Red 272, Pigment Orange 71, Pigment Orange 73, PigmentOrange 81.

Preferred inorganic pigments are for example titanium dioxides, zincsulfides, zinc oxides, iron oxides, magnetites, manganese iron oxides,chromium oxides, ultramarine, nickel or chromium antimony titaniumoxides, manganese titanium rutiles, cobalt oxides, mixed oxides ofcobalt and of aluminum, rutile mixed phase pigments, sulfides of therare earths, spinels of cobalt with nickel and zinc, spinels based oniron and chromium with copper zinc and also manganese, bismuth vanadatesand also blend pigments, more particularly the Colour Index pigmentsPigment Yellow 184, Pigment Yellow 53, Pigment Yellow 42, Pigment YellowBrown 24, Pigment Red 101, Pigment Blue 28, Pigment Blue 36, PigmentGreen 50, Pigment Green 17. Preference is also given to mixtures ofinorganic pigments and also mixtures of organic pigments with inorganicpigments.

Colorant (I) and colorant (II) can be used for example as powderpigment, as presscake, as dispersion, as solid pigment preparation or asliquid pigment formulation in the manufacture of the microencapsulatedcolorant granules. Preference is given to aqueous glycol-containingpigment dispersions or formulations.

More preferably, colorant (I) and colorant (II) are selected fromcolorants allowed for cosmetic use and from colorants allowed fordetergents.

Even more preferably colorant (I) and colorant (II) are selected fromthe group consisting of C.I. Pigment Black 7 (C.I. 77266), C.I. PigmentBlue 15 (C.I. 74160), C.I. Pigment Blue 15:1 (C.I. 74160), C.I. PigmentBlue 15:3 (C.I. 74160), C.I. Pigment Blue 15:6 (C.I. 74160), C.I.Pigment Blue 80 (C.I. 77007), C.I. Pigment Red 4 (C.I. 12085), C.I.Pigment Red 5 (C.I. 12490), C.I. Pigment Red 112 (C.I. 12370), C.I.Pigment Red 122 (C.I. 73915), C.I. Pigment Red 181 (C.I. 73360), C.I.Pigment Red 254 (C.I. 56110), C.I. Vat Red 1, C.I. Pigment Green 7 (C.I.74260), C.I. Pigment Green 36 (C.I. 74265), C.I. Pigment Violet 23 (C.I.51319), C.I. Pigment Yellow 1 (C.I. 11680), C.I. Pigment Yellow 3 (C.I.11710) and C.I. Pigment Yellow 122 (C.I. 21090).

Preferred polyols (c) are glycerine, glycols, polyglycols,pentaerythrite, sugar alcohols, especially mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol,maltitol, lactitol, lactose and monosaccharides, especially lactose.

Microcrystalline cellulose (E460i) and powdered cellulose (E460ii) arecommercially available as inactive fillers, thickeners or stabilizers inprocessed foods and pharmaceuticals. While microcrystalline cellulose isused in the core as component b), powdered cellulose can be used in theshell as component d). Instead of or in addition to powdered cellulose,cellulose derivatives can be used, such as ethyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Preferred polycarboxylic acids used as component d) are polyacrylicacid, polymethacrylic acid, acrylate-methacrylate copolymers, such asmethacrylic acid-ethylacrylate copolymers,poly(ethylacrylate-methylmethacrylate-hydroxyethylmethacrylate),styrene-(meth)acrylates, and maleic acid copolymers, such as acrylicacid-maleic acid copolymers.

Preferred vinyl polymers used as component d) are polyvinyl acetates andvinyl (meth)acrylic copolymers.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the polymer used as componentd) and contained in the one or more microencapsulated colorant granulesis selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid,polymethacrylic acid, copolymers of polyacrylic and polymethacrylicacid, styrene-(meth)acrylates, maleic acid copolymers,polyvinylacetates, vinyl acrylic copolymers, vinyl methacryliccopolymers, cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose,carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose.

The molecular weight of polymers (d) is preferably between 500 and 500000 g/mol, more preferably between 1 000 and 300 000 g/mol.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the inventive compositionscomprise microencapsulated colorant granules as characterized before,wherein the particle size distribution of the granules is between 100and 1500 μm, more preferred between 200 and 1000 μm, most preferredbetween 300 and 600 μm.

The microencapsulated colorant granules contained in the inventivecompositions can preferably be prepared by a process with the followingsteps:

-   -   admixing and homogenizing water, microcrystalline cellulose, the        polyol and the colorant (I) to form a homogeneous mass;    -   extruding the homogeneous mass followed by granulation and        optional drying, to form microbeads as the core of the        microencapsulated colorant granules;    -   coating the microbeads with the components d) and optionally e)        and optionally f).

For example, colorant (I) in powderous form is homogenized withmicrocrystalline cellulose, the polyol and water in a planetary mixeruntil a homogeneous gel-like mass is obtained. This mass is thensubjected to a screw extruder to get small noodles which are furthercharged into a spherodizer to get microbeads. These microbeads aretreated as core. For coating, the core microbeads are subjected to afluidized bed processing unit, wherein a solution or suspension ofcomponents (d) and optionally (e) and optionally (f) in water is sprayedonto the microbeads.

In one embodiment, a suspension of white pigment (e) and polymer (d) inwater is sprayed onto the microbeads.

In another embodiment, in a first spraying operation, a suspension ofwhite pigment (e) and polymer (d) in water is sprayed onto themicrobeads, followed by a second spraying operation, wherein asuspension of colorant (II) and polymer (d) in water is sprayed onto themicrobeads to get a colored coating.

The preferred processing temperature during spraying is between 20 and80° C., especially between 30 and 60° C.

The coated microbeads obtained are dried to obtain microencapsulatedcolorant granules.

The microencapsulated colorant granules can be incorporated in colorlessor colored liquid or gel-like cleansing compositions suitable forcleaning hard surfaces, washing clothes and dishes, and softeningfabrics thereby producing inventive compositions. These inventive liquidor gel-like compositions can be employed for household, institutionaland/or industrial applications. The microencapsulated colorant granulescan furthermore be incorporated in colorless or colored liquid orgel-like personal cleansing compositions or personal care productsthereby also producing inventive compositions. During the application,particularly during the washing process, the shell decomposes and thefine colorant particles are released into the inventive compositionsand/or disperse into the foam resulting from the inventive compositionsinducing a coloring or color change of the inventive composition and/orthe foam.

Preferred inventive compositions are compositions suitable for cleaninghard surfaces such as general or all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners,sanitary cleaners, disinfectants or vehicle cleaners, compositionssuitable for washing clothes such as detergents or high density liquids(HDL), dish washing compositions such as hand dishwash compositions,compositions suitable for softening fabrics or any other suitablecleaning products.

Further preferred inventive compositions are personal cleansingcompositions such as personal cleansing compositions for skin, hair andteeth, e.g. shower baths, body washes, shampoos, hand soaps, facialsoaps or facial cleansing compositions, baby washes or toothpastes orpersonal care products such as body lotions or sunscreens.

Further preferred inventive compositions are pet detergents or washes.

In general, the microencapsulated colorant granules are present in theinventive compositions in an amount of from 0.1 to 10% by weight,preferably in an amount of from 0.2 to 7% by weight, more preferably inan amount of from 0.5 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight ofthe inventive composition.

The compositions according to the invention, in particular the inventivecleansing compositions, personal cleansing compositions and personalcare compositions may contain components which are common in therespective art, such as nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphotericsurfactants, dispersing agents such as suspending agents, emollients,preservatives, fragrances, pH modifiers, anti-microbial agents,colorants, water, and non-aqueous solvents.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the inventive compositionscomprise at least 40% by weight of water, relative to the total weightof the inventive composition. Preferably, these inventive compositionscomprise not more than 99% by weight of water, relative to the totalweight of the inventive composition. In a more preferred embodiment ofthe invention the inventive compositions comprise of from 50 to 98% byweight and more preferably of from 55 to 97% by weight of water,relative to the total weight of the inventive composition.

The amount of surfactants contained in the inventive compositions canvary greatly depending upon various factors. In some embodiments of theinvention, the inventive compositions may contain surfactants in anamount of from 1 to 60% by weight and preferably of from 5 to 40% byweight, relative to the total weight of the inventive composition.

The inventive compositions may also contain various emollients. In fact,some of the above described surfactants may be considered emollients.Particular emollients that may be used include ethoxylated andpropoxylated alcohols, such as cetyl alcohols and ethoxylated lanolin.

In some instances, the inventive compositions may also include one ormore non-aqueous solvents. Although not required, non-aqueous solventscan sometimes aid in dissolving certain components, e.g. preservativesor anti-microbial agents. Examples of some suitable non-aqueous solventsinclude, but are not limited to:

glycerine; glycols, such as propylene glycol, butylene glycol,triethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, polyethylene glycols,ethoxydiglycol, and dipropyleneglycol; alcohols, such as ethanol,n-propanol, and isopropanol; triglycerides; ethyl acetate; acetone;triacetin; and combinations thereof. Preferred solvent combinationsinclude a glycol, particularly hexylene and/or propylene glycol, and oneor more lower alcohols, particularly isopropanol, n-propanol, and/orethanol.

The inventive compositions may also contain various preservatives toincrease the shelf life of the composition. Preferably, the preservativeis present in an amount of from 0.001 to 5% by weight, more preferablyof from 0.001 to about 1% by weight, and even more preferably, of from0.1 to 0.15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the inventivecomposition.

If necessary, various pH modifiers may be utilized in the inventivecompositions to achieve the desired pH level. For instance, someexamples of basic pH modifiers that may be used in the inventivecompositions include, but are not limited to ammonia, mono-, di-, andtri-alkylamines, mono-, di-, and tri-alkanolamines, alkali metal andalkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal and alkaline earth metalsilicates, mineral acids, carboxylic acids, and polymeric acids.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the inventive compositionspossess a pH value of from 1 to 12, preferably of from 2 to 10 and morepreferably of from 2.5 to 8.5.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the inventivecompositions comprise one or more dispersing agents.

As dispersing agent any known dispersing agent may be used. For example,the dispersing agent may be a clay, a starch including starchderivatives, a modified cellulose, a natural gum, a wax, a fatty acid, afatty alcohol, a multifunctional alcohol, a colloidal or a fumedparticle, a fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene glycol ether, or amixture thereof.

However, in one preferred embodiment of the invention the inventivecompositions comprise one or more polymers containing one or morestructure units derived from acryloyldimethyltaurine and/or saltsthereof (acryloyldimethyltaurates) as dispersing agent/s.

Preferred polymers containing one or more structure units derived fromacryloyldimethyltaurine and/or salts thereof are polymers containing

-   -   a) one or more structure units derived from acryloyldimethyl        taurine and/or salts thereof, preferably derived from        2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propan-sulfonic acid and/or salts thereof,    -   b) one or more structure units derived from b1) or b2)        -   b1) open-chain N-vinyl amides and/or cyclic N-vinyl amides            having a ring size of from 3 to 9, preferably N-vinyl            pyrrolidon,        -   b2) 2-Carboxyethylacrylic acid and/or salts thereof, and, if            desired, additionally one or more unsaturated monocarboxylic            acids and/or salts thereof, preferably acrylic acid, and    -   c) optionally one or more cross-linkers, i.e. monomers with two        or more olefinic double bonds and preferably one or more        cross-linkers.

Such polymers are commercially available from Clariant (e.g. Aristoflex®AVC and Aristoflex® TAC)

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the inventivecompositions comprise one or more polymers containing structure unitsderived from terephthalic acid and/or salts or esters thereof asdispersing agent/s.

Preferred polymers containing structure units derived from terephthalicacid and/or salts or esters thereof are polymers containing

-   -   a) one or more structure units derived from terephthalic acid        and/or salts or esters thereof,    -   b) one or more structure units derived from compounds comprising        two or more hydroxyl (HO-) groups, preferably derived from diols        b1) and/or b2)        -   b1) polyethylene glycols, preferably polyethylene glycols            with a weight average molecular weight of from 200 to 8000            g/mol,        -   b2) ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol,    -   c) optionally one or more structure units derived from        sulfonated aromatic dicarboxylic acids and/or salts or esters        thereof, preferably derived from sulfoisophthalic acid and/or        salts or esters thereof, and    -   d) optionally one or more structure units derived from compounds        comprising one hydroxyl (HO-) group and selected from the group        consisting of sulfonated mono- or polyethylene glycols and alkyl        mono- or polyethylene glycols.

Such polymers are commercially available from Clariant (e.g. Texcare®SRN 100, Texcare® SRN 170, Texcare® SRN 240, Texcare® SRN 300, Texcare®SRN 325 or Texcare® SRA 300).

The dispersing agent may be present in the inventive compositions in anamount sufficient to prevent the microencapsulated colorant granulesfrom settling. The dispersing agent may be present in the inventivecompositions in an amount of from 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably offrom 0.1 to 10% by weight and more preferably of from 0.5 to 3% byweight, relative to the total weight of the inventive composition.

The inventive compositions possess the advantage that they may changecolor upon application. Therefore, the inventive compositions preferablyare color changing compositions.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the inventivecompositions are personal care or cleansing compositions.

In the following examples “parts” refer to parts by weight andpercentages refer to weight percent (wt.-%) if not expressly statedotherwise.

EXAMPLES A) PREPARATION OF MICROENCAPSULATED COLORANT GRANULES ExampleA1 Microencapsulated Colorant Granules (Colorant (I))

33 parts of powdered C.I. Pigment Red 181 were homogenized with 33 partsof microcrystalline cellulose and 33 parts of lactose and 30 parts ofwater in a planetary mixer until a homogeneous gel-like mass wasobtained. This mass was subjected to a screw extruder to get smallnoodles which were further charged into a spherodizer to get microbeadsof about 200 to 300 micrometer in diameter. The microbeads weresubjected to a fluidized bed processing unit. A dispersion of 5 parts ofmethacrylic acid-ethylacrylate copolymer (1:1; mw approximately 250 000g/mol) in 5 parts of water was sprayed with the microbeads at atemperature of about 50° C. to get a colorless polyacrylate coating ontothe beads. The final beads were removed from the fluidized bed unit anddried.

Example A2 Microencapsulated Colorant Granules (Colorant (I)+TiO₂)

33 parts of powdered C.I. Pigment Blue 15:1 were homogenized with 33parts of microcrystalline cellulose and 33 parts of xylitol and 30 partsof water in a planetary mixer until a homogeneous gel-like mass wasobtained. This mass was subjected to a screw extruder to get smallnoodles which were further charged into a spherodizer to get microbeadsof about 200 to 250 micrometer in diameter. These microbeads weretreated as core.

The microbeads were subjected to a fluidized bed processing unit. Adispersion of 15 parts of titanium dioxide in 5 parts of water and 5parts of sodium polyacrylate (Mowilith® DM 6400) was sprayed with themicrobeads at a temperature of about 50° C. to get a TiO₂-polyacrylatecoating onto the beads. The final beads were removed from the fluidizedbed unit and dried to give microencapsulated colorant granules of about400 to 450 micrometer in diameter.

Example A3 Microencapsulated Colorant Granules (Colorant(I)+TiO₂+Colorant (II))

33 parts of powdered C.I. Pigment Green 7 were homogenized with 33 partsof microcrystalline cellulose and 33 parts of sorbitol and 30 parts ofwater in a planetary mixer until a homogeneous gel-like mass wasobtained. This mass was subjected to a screw extruder to get smallnoodles which were further charged into a spherodizer to get microbeadsof about 200 to 250 micrometer in diameter. These microbeads weretreated as core.

The microbeads were subjected to a fluidized bed processing unit. Adispersion of 15 parts of titanium dioxide in 5 parts of water and 5parts of sodium polyacrylate (Mowilith® DM 6400) was sprayed with themicrobeads at a temperature of about 50° C. to get a TiO₂-polyacrylatecoating onto the beads.

Further, a suspension of 15 parts of C.I. Pigment Red 5, 5 parts ofwater and 5 parts of sodium polyacrylate (Mowilith® DM 6400) was sprayedwith the coated microbeads at a temperature of about 50° C. to get ared-colored coating on these beads.

The final beads were removed from the fluidized bed unit and dried togive microencapsulated colorant granules of about 400 to 450 micrometerin diameter.

B) APPLICATION EXAMPLES Example B1 All-Purpose Cleaner

Composition:

A Genapol ® C070 1.5 wt-% C₁₀/C₁₈-Fatty alcohol with 7 moles of ethyleneoxide (100% a.m.) B Praepagen ® HY 1.4 wt-% C₁₂/C₁₄-Alkyl dimethylhydroxyethyl ammonium chloride (40% a.m., aqueous) C SodiumTripolyphosphate 1.0 wt-% D Water ad 100 wt-% E Perfume qs F Example A21.0 wt-% G Preservant qs H Carbopol ® (BF Goodrich) 0.5 wt-%Polyacrylate

Preparation:

I. Mix C and D at room temperature

II. Add A to I and mix

III. Add B to II and mix

IV. Add E, F, G and H to III and mix

Example B2 All-Purpose Cleaner

Composition:

A Genamin ® T120 3.2 wt-% Ethoxylated alkyl amine (100% a.m.) BPraepagen ® HY 2.0 wt-% C₁₂/C₁₄-Alkyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammoniumchloride (40% a.m., aqueous) C Water ad 100 wt-% D Perfume qs E ExampleA3 1.5 wt-% F Preservant qs G Carbopol ® (BF Goodrich) 0.5 wt-%Polyacrylate

Preparation:

I. Mix A and C at room temperature

II. Add B to I and mix

III. Add D, E, F and G to II and mix

Example B3 All-Purpose Cleaner

Composition:

A Praepagen ® HY 30.0 wt-% C₁₂/C₁₄-Alkyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammoniumchloride (40% a.m., aqueous) B oleyl alcohol with 10 moles of ethyleneoxide (100%) 25.0 wt-% C water ad 100 wt-% D Example A2 1.0 wt-% ECarbopol ® (BF Goodrich) 1.0 wt-% Polyacrylate

Preparation:

I. Mix A and C at room temperature

II. Heat B at 34 to 40° C.

III. add II to I

IV. heat III and homogenize at 80 to 85° C. with stirring

V. cool to room temperature

VI. add D and E to V and mix

Example B4 Laundry Detergent

Composition:

A Hostapur ® SAS (60 wt-%, aqueous, Clariant) 9.00 wt-% Secondary C₁₂₋₁₆alkane sulfonate, Na-salt GENAPOL ® LRO liquid (30 wt-%, 10.00 wt-%aqueous, Clariant) Sodium laureth sulphate Genapol ® DU 080 (100 wt-%,Clariant) 2.00 wt-% C₁₁-Oxoalkoholpolyglykolether mit 8 EOSodiumtripolyphosphate 14.00 wt-% B Water ad 100 wt-% C Praepagen ® HY2.00 wt-% C₁₂/C₁₄-Alkyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride (40%a.m., aqueous) Texcare ® SRN 170 (Clariant) 2.00 wt-% Non-ionicpolyester of propylene terephthalate Cellulase 0.25 wt-% D KCl 2.00 wt-%E Perfume qs Example A2 1.00 wt-% Preservant qs

Preparation:

I. Mix A and B at room temperature

II. Add C to I and mix

III. Add D to II and mix

IV. Add E to III an mix

Example B5 Shower Bath

Composition

A GENAPOL ® LRO liquid (30 wt-%, aqueous, 40.0 wt-% Clariant) Sodiumlaureth sulfate B Fragrance 0.3 wt-% C Water ad 100 wt-% Example A1 1.5wt-% Preservative q.s. GENAGEN ® LDA (30 wt-%, aqueous, Clariant) 6.0wt-% Disodium lauroamphodiacetate Citric acid q.s. D Aristoflex ® TAC(Clariant) 1.0 wt-% Ammonium Acryloyl Dimethyltaurate/ CarboxyethylAcrylate Crosspolymer

Preparation:

I. Stir B into A.

II. Add components from C successively to I.

III. Adjust pH to 5.5.

IV. Adjust the viscosity by stirring D into II.

Example B6 Antidandruff Shampoo

A OCTOPIROX ® (Clariant) 0.5 wt-% Piroctone olamine B Water 10.0 wt-% CGENAPOL ® LRO liquid (30 wt-%, 30.0 wt-% aqueous, Clariant) Sodiumlaureth sulfate D Belsil ® DMC 6032 (Wacker Chemie) 1.5 wt-% Dimethiconecopolyol acetate Fragrance 0.3 wt-% E ALLANTOIN ® D (Clariant) 0.3 wt-%F Water ad 100 wt-% G Example A3 0.5 wt-% Panthenol (Hoffmann La Roche)1.0 wt-% GENAGEN ® CAB (30 wt-%, aqueous, Clariant) 8.0 wt-%Cocamidopropylbetaine H Aristoflex ® TAC (Clariant) 1.0 wt-% AmmoniumAcryloyl Dimethyltaurate/ Carboxyethyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Preparation:

I. Mix A with B.

II. Stir C into I until a clear solution is obtained.

III. Add components from D successively to II.

IV. Stir E into F with heating and then stir mixture into III.

V. Add components from G successively to IV.

VI. Adjust pH if appropriate.

VII. Adjust the viscosity by stirring H into V or VI.

Example B7 O/W Skin Milk with Keratolytic Effect, Surfactant-Free

Composition

A Texcare ® SRN 170 (Clariant) 1.0 wt-% Non-ionic polyester of propyleneterephthalate Mineral oil 4.0 wt-% Almond oil 4.0 wt-% Cetiol ® SN(Henkel) 8.0 wt-% Cetearyl isononanoate B Aristoflex ® AVC (Clariant)0.3 wt-% Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer C Water ad 100wt-% Example A2 1.0 wt-% Citric acid 0.3 wt-% Malic acid 0.4 wt-%Glycolic acid 0.7 wt-% Lactic acid 0.7 wt-% D Fragrances 0.3 wt-%

Preparation:

I. Mix A and B.

II. Mix the components C.

III Add II to I.

IV. Stir D into III.

V. Homogenize emulsion, pH 3.5.

Example B8 Sunscreen

Composition

A Crodamol ® AB 4.0 wt-% C₁₂₋₁₅ Alkyl Benzoate Water ad 100 wt-% NeoHeliopan ® AV 7.5 wt-% Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate SilCare ® Silicone41M80 (Clariant) 5.0 wt-% C₂₄₋₂₈ Alkyl Dimethicone B Neo Heliopan ® BB3.0 wt-% Benzophenone-3 C Aristoflex ® AVC (Clariant) 1.0 wt-% Ammoniumacryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer D Example A1 1.0 wt-%

Preparation:

I. Heat A to about 80° C.

II. Dissolve B in I

III cool II to 25° C. without stirring

IV. add C to III under gentle stirring

V. add D to IV under gentle stirring

1. A liquid or gel-like composition comprising at least onemicroencapsulated colorant granule consisting of a core (A) and a shell(B), whereby the core (A) has a diameter of between 1 and 1000micrometer and comprises a) a colorant (I), b) microcrystallinecellulose, c) a polyol; and whereby the shell (B) has a thickness ofbetween 1 to 500 micrometer and comprises d) a polymer selected from thegroup consisting of polycarboxylic acids, copolymers of polycarboxylicacids, vinyl polymers, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.
 2. A liquidor gel-like composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least onemicroencapsulated colorant granule[[s]] further comprises (e) a whitepigment in the shell (B).
 3. A liquid or gel-like composition as claimedin claim 1, wherein the at least one microencapsulated colorant granulefurther comprises contain (f) a colorant (II) in the shell (B).
 4. Aliquid or gel-like composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atleast one microencapsulated colorant granule contains a) 5 to 60% byweight of colorant (I), b) 10 to 40% by weight of microcrystallinecellulose, c) 10 to 40% by weight of polyol, and d) 0.1 to 20% by weightof the polymer, relating to the total weight of the granules.
 5. Aliquid or gel-like composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the atleast one microencapsulated colorant granule contains a) 5 to 60% byweight of colorant (I), b) 10 to 40% by weight of microcrystallinecellulose, c) 10 to 40% by weight of polyol, d) 0.1 to 20% by weight ofthe polymer, e) 0.1 to 30% by weight of white pigment; and 1 to 30% byweight of water, relating to the total weight of the granules.
 6. Aliquid or gel-like composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the atleast one microencapsulated colorant granule contains a) 5 to 60% byweight of colorant (I), b) 10 to 40% by weight of microcrystallinecellulose, c) 10 to 40% by weight of polyol, d) 0.1 to 20% by weight ofthe polymer, e) 0.1 to 30% by weight of white pigment; f) 0.1 to 20% byweight of colorant (II); and 1 to 30% by weight of water, relating tothe total weight of the granules.
 7. A liquid or gel-like composition asclaimed in claim 3, wherein colorant (I) and colorant (II) are selectedfrom the group consisting of colorants allowed for cosmetic use and fromcolorants allowed for detergents.
 8. A liquid or gel like composition asclaimed in claim 3, wherein colorant (I) and colorant (II) are selectedfrom the group consisting of C.I. Pigment Black 7 (C.I. 77266), C.I.Pigment Blue 15 (C.I. 74160), C.I. Pigment Blue 15:1 (C.I. 74160), C.I.Pigment Blue 15:3 (C.I. 74160), C.I. Pigment Blue 15:6 (C.I. 74160),C.I. Pigment Blue 80 (C.I.77007), C.I. Pigment Red 4 (C.I. 12085), C.I.Pigment Red 5 (C.I. 12490), C.I. Pigment Red 112 (C.I. 12370), C.I.Pigment Red 122 (C.I. 73915), C.I. Pigment Red 181 (C.I. 73360), C.I.Pigment Red 254 (C.I. 56110), C.I. Vat Red 1, C.I. Pigment Green 7 (C.I.74260), C.I. Pigment Green 36 (C.I. 74265), C.I. Pigment Violet 23 (C.I.51319), C.I. Pigment Yellow 1 (C.I. 11680), C.I. Pigment Yellow 3 (C.I.11710) and C.I. Pigment Yellow 122 (C.I. 21090).
 9. A liquid or gel-likecomposition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polyol (c) contained inis selected from the group consisting of glycerine, glycols,polyglycols, pentaerythrite, sugar alcohols, especially mannitol,sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, lactose and monosaccharides. 10.A liquid or gel-like composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein thepolymer (d) is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid,polymethacrylic acid, copolymers of polyacrylic and polymethacrylicacid, styrene-(meth)acrylates, maleic acid copolymers,polyvinylacetates, vinyl acrylic copolymers, vinyl methacryliccopolymers, cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose,carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose.
 11. A liquid or gel-likecomposition as claimed in claim 1, comprising the at least onemicroencapsulated colorant granule in an amount of from 0.1 to 10% byweight, relative to the total weight of the composition.
 12. A liquid orgel-like composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least 40% byweight of water, relative to the total weight of the composition.
 13. Aliquid or gel-like composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising atleast one dispersing agent.
 14. A liquid or gel-like composition asclaimed in claim 1, comprising at least one polymer containing at leastone structural unit derived from acryloyldimethyltaurine and/or saltsthereof.
 15. A liquid or gel-like composition as claimed in claim 1,comprising at least one polymer containing at least one structural unitderived from terephthalic acid and/or salts or esters thereof.
 16. Acolor changing composition comprising at least one liquid or gel-likecomposition as claimed in claim
 1. 17. A personal care or cleansingcomposition comprising at least one liquid or gel-like composition asclaimed in claim
 1. 18. A liquid or gel-like composition as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the polyol (c) is lactose.